Re: possible role of echolocation in K-T survival

[chris brochu <cbrochu@fmppr.fmnh.org>]

>> >isn't echolocating similar in principle to sonar?  The medium is
>> >different, and the reception of sound is through different body parts
>> >(ears vs. melon), but isn't the principle of issuing sound to recieve
>> >sound wave bounces the same?
>> >
>> >Could ichthyosaurs have used sonar?
>>
>> Possible - except that many ichthyosaurs had enormous eyes, if the size of
>> the orbits is any indication.  Most living echolocators tend not to
>> emphasize visual integration.
>
>Sperm whales have the largest extant eyes I know of, and they use
>sonar.


Yes, but compared with the size of the skull or body, they're tiny.
Ichthyosaur orbits were very large relative to the size of the ichthyosaur.


chris


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Christopher Brochu, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Department of Geology
Field Museum of Natural History
Lake Shore Drive at Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL  60605  USA

phone:  312-922-9410, ext. 469
fax:  312-922-9566

cbrochu@fmppr.fmnh.org